What the HECK is copywriting anyways?
*hint hint* it has nothing to do with being a lawyer
When I first heard of copywriting in the summer of 2020, I immediately thought of the legal term ‘copyright’ commonly associated with law practices.
C’mon, I can’t be the only one, right?
As someone that has hyper-fixation tendencies combined with too much free time, you already know I immediately started firing out Google searches.
My search history was riddled with searches like:
“What is copywriting?”
“Do I need another degree to become a copywriter?”
“Can I actually be a writer and not starve for my craft??”
It was after a couple of articles that I actually started to figure out what the heck copywriting means. And about .0001 seconds after realizing what copywriting’s all about, I KNEW I was destined to make copywriting my career.
But seriously, THAT ball of wax is a whole ‘nother story for a different day.
Soooo instead of including the roller coaster of how I actually became a copywriter in this blog post, I’m going to use this time together to fill you in on what copywriting is, why it’s so important, and how YOU can use copywriting to your advantage in your own business.
What is copywriting and why is it important?
A’ight so now that I’m sure you’ve figured out copywriting has nothing to do with being a lawyer, we’re going to deep dive into your burning question:
“What the HECK is copywriting and why do people keep telling me I need it for my business?”
As a copywriter and messaging strategist, my formal definition of copywriting is, “The art of crafting persuasive and compelling messaging that connects you with your ideal audience.”
Connection + Persuasion = Copy
Basically, copywriting is a form of writing that is your not-so-secret weapon to standing out in the crowd, connecting with your ideal audience, and captivating the world with your unique brand story.
Step 1: When copywriting is done correctly, the first step is to invite your ideal audience to trust, know, and like you. This is done by nailing down who your ideal client is and speaking directly to them. You want them to read your copy and feel like you just ‘get’ them!
Step 2: Use persuasive language to uncover a problem or desire they’re experiencing, and use your product/service as the solution. By connecting these two things together, it makes the wheels start turning in your ideal client’s minds. We want to be in their head, and this is a perfect way to do it!
Step 3: Ask your audience to take small actionable steps. This action step is rarely going to ask them to purchase.
Seriously! Think about it this way. Would you buy literally anything if someone just shoved it under your nose and whispered ‘purchase or else…’
Okay, that might be a bit dramatic, but you get the point.
This small actionable step is normally to download a freebie, opt-in to your email list, read a blog post, watch a video, etc.
When you warm up your audience by taking them further along your sales process path, it does two very important things. You continue building trust with them, and you can start getting much more specific on why your product/service is going to make a big difference in their lives.
Step 4: The true ask! This is when they’ve made it to the end of your sales funnel, and you ask them to purchase your xyz product/service. Since you’ve made it all the way through connecting with them, clarifying why they need this, and what it will do for them, they feel trusting enough to make the purchase.
As you can see, copywriting is sooo much more than building your brand messaging, it’s an entire sales strategy!
And when you use copywriting as the heartbeat of your business sales process, each of those steps go so much deeper than just selling.
You’re building an attentive audience that’s excited to hear from you.
And wouldn’t we ALL like that??
With the power of copywriting, all of this can be possible for you and your business.
And if you’d like a professional copywriter to cross connecting & converting off your to-do list, fill out a new client application here to get started. Creating words that match the amazing business you’ve built is seriously my bread & butter.
Let’s make word magic happen together!
Always in your corner,
Amber Hopfer
Copywriter & Messaging Strategist